The Glass Menagerie By Tennessee Williams Essay Example

ignite it. He then settles into a more relaxed position on the bench] It's quite amusing, you see... despite all these years spent backing them, I find myself burdened with guilt. Quite absurd, isn't it? I mean, I displayed tremendous generosity and nobility by providing them support.

Despite not being responsible, Tom still opted not to do it. However, as he recognizes his innocence, his mood begins to brighten. He truly has no justification for feeling remorseful. In the end, he made sacrifices and postponed his own life to care for them. It is they who should bear the weight of guilt, not him. A slight smile appears on his face as this realization sinks in. Now he comprehends why his father chose to leave their family. Enduring the constant nagging and suffering inflicted by his mother would have been unbearable for anyone.

Tom asserts his self-reliance, declaring that he doesn't necessitate assistance from others since he has been supporting an entire family. His ambition is to pursue a career as a poet and lead the life he has always yearned for, liberated from familial responsibilities. However, suddenly consumed by panic and apprehension, Tom contemplates the potential inability to thrive independently. Concerns about securing another job plague him as he questions the viability of opportunities for poets during the Depression-era. Filled with remorse over his impulsive decision, he ponders his next course of action and frets about becoming homeless. In an attempt to dismiss these distressing thoughts, Tom slaps himself while reassuring that everything will eventually turn out fine.

Take a deep breath and find peace as you embark on a new chapter in your life. Allow

yourself to relax now...

[After a moment of stillness, Tom notices a radiant light growing bigger at the end of the peaceful road]

Tom: [The bus slowly comes to a stop right in front of Tom] This is it. My suffering ends here... And my dream begins...

A fresh start awaits. [Tom prepares to board] I ask for your forgiveness, Laura; I will always remember you. Look after mother. Everything will be fine. [As Tom boards, the bus slowly departs into the chilly night, ushering in a new and exhilarating life for Tom Wingfield.] Notes Symbols: This chapter contains numerous symbols: Tom's frequent visits to the cinema symbolize his strong longing to escape the apartment and Amanda's constant nagging, and venture into the real world. The fire escape also serves as a symbol in this play, representing something unique for each character.

Tom and Laura have contrasting perspectives on the fire escape in their Wingfield household. For Tom, it functions as an exit from his frustrating surroundings and a gateway to the real world. He frequently stands on it while smoking, indicating his preference for the outdoors over being indoors. This also foreshadows his eventual departure at the end of the narrative. Conversely, Laura sees the fire escape as a means of seeking refuge in a safe haven where she can evade reality and find solace. It offers her an opportunity to escape from adversity. On the other hand, Amanda perceives the fire escape as a symbol of optimism for her dreams and ambitions. She anticipates using it to discover a suitable husband for her daughter and secure their financial stability.

In this scene, Tom warns Amanda to have realistic

expectations for her daughter, Laura, who lives in a world filled with delicate glass ornaments. The mention of glass alludes to Laura's fragile and sensitive nature. Even minor discomfort can cause her to become ill, as demonstrated when she is asked to meet Jim. Jim O'Connor serves as a representation of the real world in contrast to Amanda's idealistic perspective.

Both reality and change, both of which Laura fears, are represented by him.